The London 2012 chairman claimed sport had never been so inspiring as it was at the Sydney Games.

"Never was a city so vibrant, exciting and frankly embracing of an Olympic Games," Coe said today at a breakfast in Sydney to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the the Games there

"Sydney put a smile back on the face of the Olympic man."

Coe had particularly high praise for the legion of Sydney Olympic volunteers, saying their attitude had set a standard for volunteers at the London Olympics in 2012.

"For so many that were volunteers in this city, they did more than just be part of it, they made the Games," he said.

"I will magpie the extraordinary way this city embraced the world at an Olympic Games."

London 2012 today officially opened applications for its "Games Maker" volunteer programme, for which the presenting partner is TOP sponsor McDonald's.

"Volunteering with us will be challenging but the rewards are life-long as our London 2012 Games Makers will literally make history happen," said Coe.

"We want the best team players in the UK to apply, people who show the same qualities as our athletes including dedication, focus and grace under pressure.

"Whatever your role, you will help welcome the world and show what the UK has to offer.

"If you have what it takes to be a London Games Maker, apply now."

Two-thirds of volunteers will serve in "generalist" roles such as welcome desk staff, ticket checkers, drivers and stewards.

The initial volunteer programme was launched on July 27, marking the two-years-to-go date until the Olympics.

That recruitment was for "specialist" volunteers in sports, medical, anti-doping and press operations.

So far, 8,000 applications - about half the number required - have been received.

Calls for volunteers is also being led by Amy Williams, who won the gold medal in bob skeleton at the Vancouver Olympics earlier this year.

"Volunteers are hugely important and it is one of the big things I remember about Vancouver," she said.

"London 2012 is basically an amazing opportunity for our athletes to compete in their own country and I think, judging from my experience in Vancouver, it was an amazing experience for the Canadians in Canada.

"It was something for the whole nation and it will be the same here with the bubble of excitement growing."

Hopefuls must be at least 18 on January 1, 2012, available to volunteer for at least ten days during either the Olympic Games or the Paralympic Games and at least three days of training before the events.

"In addition to the sporting extravaganzas that will be laid on in the summer of 2012, we are also planning to stage a feast of entertainment and events to celebrate this momentous occasion," said London Mayor Boris Johnson.

"We need to be at our very best and give each and every guest the warmest of welcomes and help them navigate around this huge metropolis.

"The Games Makers and London Ambassadors have a vital role to play in ensuring every visitor has the time of their lives and leaves feeling that they have really enjoyed their stay with us.

"Now is your time to make a difference by signing up to be a volunteer in 2012."

People have until midnight on October 27 to apply on-line.
 
For more details click here.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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